Rick Edwards clearly remembers his glory days roller skating at Starlight Arena in Harford County. And although Edwards, principal at Rising Sun Middle School, didn't tie on skates during the school's skating event, he has fond memories of his time at the rink.

The event, which is the culminating activity for the skating unit in physical education classes, has been held after school for the past five years. The activity is designed to celebrate student fitness and fun. Families of students are invited to skate along when the gym is converted temporarily to a skating rink. Physical Education teacher Jim Boyd said students at the school learned about skating for one to two weeks, depending on their schedules. "They love it. We've heard only positive things about this event. We continue to do it because it works so well," said Boyd. "I skated as a kid," said father of two Tom Alexander. "I have done better with roller blades. I think this is pretty cool." Jaxon, Alexander's son, a third grader, was torn between trying out skating and a high tech distraction. "I want to do it, but I want to play my iPad," said Jaxon. Jeremy Krebs skated with his daughter three weeks prior to the skate night. "We go skating every once in a while. It's a good, family fun activity," said Krebs. Melissa Stickney opted to wear her shoes while teaching her daughter, second grader Lucy, how to skate. Melissa said she last tied on skates in 1999. "You need to find your center of gravity and know where your brake is," she said. Gene Mears skated with his grandson, Jeremy Plath. He has skated within the past few years. "This is awesome. It's really good. So far, so good," said Mears. Raymond McKinney, father of sixth grader Katie, said he last skated 25 years ago at Buck skating rink. "I did about half a lap and was a little wobbly. And I am sure I will fall. But I love this. I think it's awesome," said McKinney. John Denver, is the grandfather of a sixth grader. He remembers spending time at Merryland Roller Rink just north of Elkton. "I roller skated as a kid. I was probably the age of these guys. But I'm not skating today. I fell last year doing something else. But this would be a lot of fun," said Denver.